Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge plans collaborative large-scale prescribed burn

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, in coordination with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, announced today their plans to conduct a large-scale prescribed burn operation this spring. Depending on weather conditions, the prescribed burn is expected to be completed in mid-May. It will encompass approximately 11,155 acres of the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge and Elm Lake Wildlife Management Area.

"Prescribed burning for a beneficial outcome, has been in practice by Indigenous peoples across the region for thousands of years and is a tool for land managers today," said Jim Graham, Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge Manager. "The relationship between fire and managing healthy landscapes dependent on periodic fire is critical to the wildlife species. We use fire to promote a functioning landscape that supports diverse native wildlife and is resilient to climate change."

Why conduct a large-scale prescribed burn during the peak of Minnesota's spring wildfire activity? Due to the drying of plants during winter months, spring is the most optimal time for prescribed fire to consume accumulated grasses, brush and trees. The removal of this organic material provides ideal growing conditions for the new vegetation by removing competition. Additionally, light winds are needed to help carry a prescribed fire through overgrown habitat. In late spring and early summer, changes in precipitation and humidity significantly narrow the window for successful prescribed burning in northwest Minnesota.

Graham acknowledges this large-scale prescribed burn has been in the planning stage for several years. The habitat within the planned burn area is fire-dependent and has reached the optimal level of available plant material that will serve as the fire's fuel.

"Our fire managers and biologists have closely monitored the habitat and the variability in spring weather and drought conditions," he said. "They have determined this spring will be the best window for a successful outcome."

At the 61,500-acre Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, located in Marshall County, Minnesota, specific targeted species, including up to 70,000 migrating waterfowl, moose, wolf, grouse and white-tail deer, will benefit most from this collaborative large-scale prescribed burn. All of these animals coexist throughout the refuge. They rely on the diverse habitat that depends on fire disturbance for healthy regeneration and long-term viability.

Wildlife will also benefit from the setback in woody vegetation, like willow and aspen. Left unmanaged, trees will encroach upon open grasslands and shrink ideal nesting habitat; new growth of willow shoots provide a tender, nourishing food source for several wildlife species.

Working in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, other federal agencies and tribal governments, the refuge will draw in support of more than 25 highly trained wildland firefighters to safely carry out the operation. Conditions will be closely monitored leading up to and throughout the prescribed burn event. The final decision to carry out the large-scale prescribed burn will rely entirely on optimal weather conditions and the availability of wildland firefighters amid spring wildfire conditions.

This project is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides a historic investment in wildland fire management. As part of the nation's efforts to address climate change and support resilient, climate-adapted communities, the legislation provides funds to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the next five years to help mitigate and reduce wildfire risk, recover from wildfires and increase recruitment and retention of the agency wildland firefighter workforce through supplemental pay, permanent position conversions and improvements to health, well-being and training.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit fws.gov.

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